At the foot of the Iberian System, La Mata de los Olmos brings together juniper groves, cultivated valleys and a distinctive architectural history. This gives you several concrete themes to consider when choosing a stay: you can focus on the natural and cultural landscape or plan your trip around local festivals.
Juniper and Cultural Landscape
The landscape includes pine, holm oak and juniper groves, as well as valleys where cereals and almonds are grown. The Sabinar de La Mata de los Olmos preserves a small stand of Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera). The trees are distinguished by their large size, sturdy trunks and densely leafed crowns. This brings two distinct aspects of the town into focus: its specific natural features and a landscape shaped by agriculture.
Churches and Architectural History
The Church of San Bartolomé is a 17th-century Baroque building. It has three naves; the central nave is wider and higher than the side naves. The four-tiered tower also has clear architectural features: its three upper sections have an octagonal plan, brickwork and Mudéjar decoration. This makes it possible to understand the building not only by its period, but also by its layout and the design of its tower.
The Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Rosario has a square nave with a dome on pendentives. The rectangular presbytery has a barrel vault with lunettes. Pendentives provide the transition from a square space to a dome; the term therefore refers to a specific architectural element, not just a style. The nave of the Chapel of Virgen de Gracia is also marked by a large dome on pendentives. The wooden image of Virgen de Gracia is considered a Gothic work dating from the 14th or 15th century.
Several examples of private vernacular civil architecture are also part of the townscape. Their features include upper brick arcades, moulded window sills and large entrance arches made of voussoirs. These details add a distinct architectural form to the religious buildings.
Historic Sites and Routes
The Fuente Vieja once supplied La Mata de los Olmos with water. The old public washhouse can be seen along the walking route to the Fuente Vieja. Another historic site is the Nevera de La Mata de los Olmos, which was in use from the 17th century until the mid-19th century. The San Cristóbal archaeological site yielded extensive Iberian and Roman ceramic material and is dated to the 1st century BC.
The fourteen stations of the Way of the Cross line the winding path to the Ermita de San Bartolomé. Another tradition is the pilgrimage to the Ermita de San Cristóbal. It includes a Mass, the blessing of the municipal area from the viewpoint and a shared meal.
Festivals and Practical Information
San Antón is celebrated on the weekend closest to 17 January; the festival is organised by a prior and a mayoral. It includes a large bonfire in the town hall square, which burns until Sunday evening. The patron saint festival in honour of San Bartolomé lasts five days. Traditional events include a meal in the square, fancy dress and shared snacks.
The Semana Cultural was established in 1983 and takes place every November. Its programme combines talks, theatre performances, various exhibitions and sporting activities. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these traditions, check the dates in advance. On the first Sunday in October, a Mass is held in honour of Virgen del Rosario at the chapel within the town, followed by a nine-day novena with the rosary.
Local food culture is also part of the picture: all four of the designations of origin currently existing in the province of Teruel are represented in La Mata de los Olmos and form part of its agri-food heritage. Besides a viewpoint, there is a recreational area with games, benches and tables. A regular bus service runs to Alcañiz and Teruel; if you plan to use it for your journey or day trip, check the timetable for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Bello, La Cuba, Nogueruelas, Puig Moreno, Abejuela, Villanueva Del Rebollar De La Sierra, Calomarde, El Vallecillo.
For the broader travel overview: Teruel.
